Friday, August 31, 2012

Ragtime : Hillbarn Theatre : A Capsule Review

Any show that attempts to chronicle and celebrate the cultural
renaissance and social upheaval that characterized the beginning of the
last century is by definition ambitious.And, for the most part, Terrence McNally’s Ragtime
succeeds in depicting a turning point in our nation’s history with the
type of authenticity and grand style the period deserves.But that
extraordinary ambition, in its earnest desire to do justice to its
prodigious subject matter, is also what makes McNally’s book almost
collapse under its own weight. There are simply too many stories, too
many characters, and too many large themes addressed without a unifying
plot line strong enough to make it all coalesce in a manner that
adequately connects with its audience.That shortcoming, however,
does nothing to dampen the boundless creative acumen evident in this
outstanding and lavish Hillbarn Theatre production.Director Lee
Foster, undaunted by the limited confines of a small thrust stage, has
produced a triumphant musical experience that is both visionary in scope
and a master class in imaginative theatrical staging. Bravo!Ms.
Foster’s vision is brought to fruition by a remarkably talented cast of
fifty-three performers, featuring some of the finest vocalizations one
is likely to hear in any venue, including the magnificent Annmarie
Martin (Mother), Carmichael Blankenship (Coalhouse Walker), Leslie Ivy
(Sarah), Steven Ennis (Younger Brother) and Erica Richardson (Sarah’s
Friend).And many of the design elements, including the
uncompromising musical direction (Greg Sudmeier), the gorgeous art
nouveau costuming (Carolann Towe), and splendid choreography (Jayne
Zaban), are no less exemplary.Honorable mention must be given to
scene-stealing turns by ensemble member and dancer Gary Stanford, Jr.,
and young Jon Toussaint as Edgar (Little Boy).One should not
hesitate to make the trip to Foster City to see an auspicious season
debut that offers the best that community theatre has to offer.

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About Me

I don't consider myself a "critic." I'm just another fan who's passionate about the performing arts. It's only my humble opinion, so be gentle!
I'm an occasional contributor to starkinsider.com.
Please note the date on top of each post is the actual performance date.